Stretchable Structure for Absorbent Article, and Method for Producing Same

ABSTRACT

A first sheet layer is made of a nonwoven fabric; a second sheet layer is made of a nonwoven fabric opposed to one side of the first sheet layer; and a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members are provided along the stretchable direction at intervals from each other between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer. Both ends of the elastically stretchable members are fixed to at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer via a first hot melt adhesive. The first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via a second hot melt adhesive in a range in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the both ends of the elastically stretchable member. The holding power of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the second hot meld adhesive.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a stretchable structure of an absorbent article and a method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a stretchable structure is provided in an absorbent article to improve fitting property of each part. For example, in a disposable diaper of an underpants-type or a tape-type, it has been widely practiced to provide the stretchable structure in a lower torso portion along the circumferential direction thereof or to provide the stretchable structure in a leg portion along the circumferential direction thereof. Further, it is widely practiced to provide the stretchable structure in the front-back direction called a “three-dimensional gather” and a “plane gather” over an absorbent article including a sanitary napkin as well as a disposable diaper of an underpants-type and a tape-type (for example, refer to Patent Literatures 1 to 5).

A representative example of such a stretchable structure of an absorbent article includes a first sheet layer, a second sheet layer opposed to one surface of the first sheet layer, and a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members provided along a stretchable direction with intervals from each other between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer. The first sheet layer and the second sheet layer play a role of forming a planar stretchable region and also covering and concealing the elastically stretchable members. The elastically stretchable members incorporated between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer play a role of creating elastically stretchable force. At least both ends of the elastically stretchable members are fixed to the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer in a stretched state in the stretchable direction. By this fixing, the elastically stretchable members and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are combined as one unit, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer contract due to contraction force of the elastically stretchable members to form pleats or wrinkles. After this contracted state, when the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are stretched against the contraction force of the elastically stretchable members, the pleats and wrinkles are spread. Normally, at the limit of elastically stretching, the sheet layer is spread without pleats and wrinkles; as the elastically stretchable members are contracted, the sheet layer is gathered to form pleats; and in the natural length state, the sheet is gathered to form closest pleats. At the present time, in most cases, a hot melt adhesive is selected as a means for fixing the elastically stretchable members to the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer.

In addition, the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are intermittently or continuously bonded to each other in at least one of the stretchable direction and the direction orthogonal to the stretchable direction. This is because when there is almost no bonding between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, one sheet layer largely lifts or shifts from the other sheet layer, such that the appearance and the wearing feeling deteriorate. The bonding mode of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer is classified into a combined mode (refer to Patent Literatures 1 to 3) and an independent mode (refer to Patent Literatures 4 and 5). In the combined mode, the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded with a hot melt adhesive at least at passing positions of elastically stretchable members, which functions also to fix the elastically stretchable members to the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer. In the independent mode, the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded by welding such as ultrasonic welding at positions other than the passing positions of elastically stretchable members independently of fixing the elastically stretchable members to the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer.

On the other hand, in manufacturing a product, the stretchable structure of an absorbent article is at the limit of elastically stretching and in using the product, the stretchable structure is in a certain level of stretched state. Therefore, at least in these states, the contraction force of the elastically stretchable members acts in a shearing direction with respect to the fixed portions of the elastically stretchable members with the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer. At this time, if the holding power in adhesion of the end portions of the elastically stretchable members is insufficient, there is a possibility that fixing of the elastically stretchable members may be released due to the shearing force continuously applied during manufacturing or using. Particularly, when one end of the elastically stretchable member is released, the portion where the fixing is released contracts and is drawn to the opposite side (hereinafter also simply referred to as “pull-in”) and loses elasticity. For this reason, as a hot melt adhesive for adhering the elastically stretchable members and the sheet layer, a hot melt adhesive having high holding power (hardly causing cohesive failure) is used.

However, as in the above-described combined mode, in the case where fixing of the elastically stretchable members to the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer and bonding of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are performed via a single hot melt adhesive, both of the fixing and the bonding must be performed with the hot melt adhesive having high holding power, and since the hot melt adhesive having high holding power is hard, flexibility is impaired at a portion only for bonding the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2004-229857 A

Patent Literature 2: JP 2013-132331 A

Patent Literature 3: JP 2009-148447 A

Patent Literature 4: JP 2008-295930 A

Patent Literature 5: JP 2009-297096 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In view of the above, the main object of the present invention is to achieve compatibility between flexibility and fixability of elastically stretchable members when both of fixing of the elastically stretchable members to the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via a hot melt adhesive.

Solution to Problem

The present invention which solves the above problem is as follows.

<Invention According to Claim 1>

A stretchable structure of an absorbent article, comprising:

a first sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric; a second sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric and opposed to one side of the first sheet layer; and a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members provided along a stretchable direction at intervals from each other between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer,

wherein the elastically stretchable member is fixed to at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer via a first hot melt adhesive at each pair of adhesion sites provided at an interval in the stretchable direction,

the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via a second hot melt adhesive in a range at least in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the pair of the adhesion sites, and

holding power of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than holding power of the second hot melt adhesive.

(Function and Effect)

The present invention is characterized in that the function of fixing elastically stretchable members to at least one of a first sheet layer and a second sheet layer and the function of bonding the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are shared to a first hot melt adhesive and a second hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesives having different holding power are used (material welding is not used for both the functions). Hot melt adhesives each with high holding power are excellent in fixability but hard. On the other hand, hot melt adhesives each with low holding power are inferior in fixability but flexible. Therefore, as in the present invention, if the holding power of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the holding power of the second hot melt adhesive, the elastically stretchable members are firmly fixed at both end portions of the stretchable range, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer can be bonded more flexibly in a range in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the both end portions. In this case, although the fixed portions by the first hot melt adhesive have hard texture, the influence is limited locally. Further, since the elastically stretchable members are firmly fixed at both end portions of the stretchable range, the second hot melt adhesive in the range in the stretchable direction corresponding to the space between the both end portions has very little necessity to play a role of fixing function of the elastically stretchable members, and it is only necessary for the second hot melt adhesive to bond the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer. Therefore, the adhesive having low holding power can be used without any problem, which actually brings advantage that the main stretchable region becomes further flexible.

<Invention According to Claim 2>

The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the melt viscosity of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the melt viscosity of the second hot melt adhesive.

(Function and Effect)

In general, since a hot melt adhesive having high melt viscosity has high holding power, as described in this claim, it is desirable that the melt viscosity of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the melt viscosity of the second hot melt adhesive.

<Invention According to Claim 3>

The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive is higher than the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive.

(Function and Effect)

Since the hot melt adhesive having high loop tack adhesive strength is suitable for adhering nonwoven fabrics to each other, as described in this claim, it is desirable that the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive is higher than the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive.

<Invention According to Claim 4>

The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and the second hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions.

(Function and Effect)

It is desirable that the peel strength of the first hot melt adhesive and the peel strength of the second hot melt adhesive are within the range described in this claim.

<Invention According to Claim 5>

The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein sheet bonded portions, at which the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive, are disposed in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the elastically stretchable members and continuous in a direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, and

the width of each sheet bonded portion in the stretchable direction is 0.5 to 4 mm, and the interval between adjacent two sheet bonded portions is 4 to 8 mm

(Function and Effect)

When the sheet bonded portions by the second hot melt adhesive are disposed in such a pattern (bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members), in a natural length state or in a certain level of contracted state, the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer contract as the elastically stretchable members contract, and the portions located between the sheet bonded portions of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are raised in opposite directions to each other to form pleats, and the pleats extended straightly and also have sufficient height but rarely fall.

More specifically, the width in the stretchable direction of each sheet bonded portion affects the interval between adjacent pleats. If the pleats are formed to be thin, and the width is larger than 4 mm, the space between adjacent pleats becomes too wide, and individual pleats become independent in appearance. In addition, when the pleats are deformed to collapse and spread or to fall due to the compressive force in the thickness direction, the effect of mutual support of the adjacent pleats is reduced. As a result, resistance with respect to the deformation and restoration after the deformation are also weaken, and the fullness becomes insufficient.

In addition, even in a case where the width of the sheet bonded portion in the stretchable direction is set to 0.5 to 4 mm, if the interval between adjacent sheet bonded portions is set to less than 4 mm or more than 8 mm, the following situation will be caused. That is, the interval between the adjacent sheet bonded portions affects the height and width of pleats, and if the interval between adjacent sheet bonded portions is about 2 mm, the pleats have poor continuity in the orthogonal direction as with the case of continuously bonding in the stretchable direction (it has no meaning to provide sheet bonded portions intermittently in the stretchable direction). If the interval is 3 mm, the pleats extended straightly in the direction orthogonal to the stretchable direction, but the effect of mutual support of the adjacent pleats cannot be expected, which results in insufficient fullness. In addition, when the interval between the sheet bonded portions exceeds 8 mm, the pleats are collapsed irregularly due to the compression during wrapping, and the product appearance deteriorates. On the other hand, when the width of the sheet bonded portion in the stretchable direction is 0.5 to 4 mm, and at the same time, the interval between the sheet bonded portions is 4 to 8 mm, sufficient fullness can be finally obtained, and against the compression during wrapping, the pleats are unlikely to be collapsed irregularly.

In the case of having sheet bonded portions of such a pattern, from the viewpoint of flexibility, it is desirable that the application width of second hot melt adhesive is narrow, and the holding power of the second hot melt adhesive is low. In that case, it is difficult to firmly fix the elastically stretchable members to at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer only with the second hot melt adhesive. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable to the embodiment described in this claim.

In this claim, continuous application of the second hot melt adhesive includes the mode that the second hot melt adhesive is continuously applied in the direction intersecting the stretchable direction at both of the first sheet layer-side and the second sheet layer-side of the elastically stretchable members at portions where the sheet bonded portions and the elastically stretchable members are intersecting each other, and also includes the mode that due to the elastically stretchable members being interposed, the adhesive is continuously applied in the direction intersecting the stretchable direction on one of the first sheet layer-side and the second sheet layer-side of the elastically stretchable members and discontinuously applied in the direction intersecting the stretchable direction on the other of the first sheet layer-side and the second sheet layer-side of the elastically stretchable members.

<Invention According to Claim 6>

The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the first hot melt adhesive is disposed intermittently in a direction orthogonal to the elastically stretchable members at positions overlapping with the elastically stretchable members.

(Function and Effect)

Since the fixing portions of the elastically stretchable members by the first hot melt adhesive are hard, it is preferable to intermittently apply the first hot melt adhesive, rather than to continuously apply it, in a direction orthogonal to the elastically stretchable members so as not to impair the flexibility.

<Invention According to Claim 7>

The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

the absorbent article is an underpants-type disposable diaper, in which an outer member disposed in a front body and a back body and an inner member attached to the outer member and including an absorber are provided, both side edges of the outer member of the front body and both side edges of the outer member of the back body are bonded to each other, a range in a front-back direction corresponding to the bonded side edges is an annular lower torso portion, and a waist opening and a pair of right and left leg openings are formed, and

the stretchable structure is provided in a region including at least both sides in the width direction of the inner member in the outer member such that the elastically stretchable members are along the width direction.

(Function and Effect)

As described above, the stretchable structure according to the present invention is suitable for the region including at least both sides in the width direction of the inner member in the outer member of the underpants-type disposable diaper.

<Invention According to Claim 8>

A method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article, comprising:

a step of sandwiching a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members provided along a stretchable direction at intervals from each other between a first sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric and a second sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric and opposed to one side of the first sheet layer;

a step of fixing the elastically stretchable member to at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer via a first hot melt adhesive at each pair of adhesion sites provided at an interval in the stretchable direction; and

a step of bonding the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer to each other in a range at least in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the pair of the adhesion sites via a second hot melt adhesive having lower holding power than the first hot melt adhesive.

(Function and Effect)

The same functions and effects as those obtained in the invention according to claim 1 is obtained.

<Invention According to Claim 9>

The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the melt viscosity of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the melt viscosity of the second hot melt adhesive.

(Function and Effect)

The same functions and effects as those obtained in the invention according to claim 2 is obtained.

<Invention According to Claim 10>

The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive is higher than the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive.

(Function and Effect)

The same functions and effects as those obtained in the invention according to claim 3 is obtained.

<Invention According to Claim 11>

The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, comprising:

a step of applying the second hot melt adhesive, wherein at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer is brought into contact with an engraved roll such that a circumferential direction of the engraved roll is the stretchable direction, and the second hot melt adhesive, which is held in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the circumferential direction and continuous in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the engraved roll, is transferred on the at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer; and

a step of performing pressure bonding, wherein the elastically stretchable members are sandwiched between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, on at least one of which the second hot melt adhesive is transferred,

wherein in the step of applying the second hot melt adhesive, the application width in the circumferential direction of the second hot melt adhesive is set to 0.5 to 4 mm, and the interval between adjacent applications in the circumferential direction of the second hot melt adhesive is set to 4 to 8 mm on the outer peripheral surface of the engraved roll.

(Function and Effect)

The same functions and effects as those obtained in the invention according to claim 5 is obtained.

<Invention According to Claim 12>

The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 11, comprising:

a step of applying the first hot melt adhesive on the elastically stretchable members,

wherein in the step of performing pressure bonding, the elastically stretchable members applied with the first hot melt adhesive are sandwiched between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, on at least one of which the second hot melt adhesive is transferred.

(Function and Effect)

The same functions and effects as those obtained in the invention according to claim 6 is obtained.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present invention, when both the fixing of the elastically stretchable members to the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer and the bonding of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are performed via the hot melt adhesives, an advantage of sufficient flexibility and reliable fixability of the elastically stretchable members can be obtained for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an inner surface of an underpants-type disposable diaper in the spread state.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an outer surface of an underpants-type disposable diaper in the spread state.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an underpants-type disposable diaper.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating an outer member in the spread state.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating an outer member in the spread state.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating an outer member in the spread state.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an outer member in the spread state.

FIG. 11(a) is a plan view of a stretchable structure in the spread state. FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in the natural length state. FIG. 11(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in the certain level of stretched state.

FIG. 12(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 11. FIG. 12(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 11. FIG. 12(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 11. FIG. 12(g) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13(a) is a plan view of a stretchable structure in the spread state. FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in the natural length state. FIG. 13(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in the certain level of stretched state.

FIG. 14(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 13. FIG. 14(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 13. FIG. 14(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 13. FIG. 14(g) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15(a) is a plan view of a stretchable structure in the spread state. FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in the natural length state. FIG. 15(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in the certain level of stretched state.

FIG. 16(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 15. FIG. 16(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 15. FIG. 16(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 15. FIG. 16(g) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a stretchable structure in the spread state.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a main part of an outer member in the spread state.

FIG. 19 is a manufacturing flow diagram of the stretchable structure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a cutting device.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged plan view of a main part indicating various embodiments for cutting in a non-stretchable region.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view of a test piece of a peel strength measurement test.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view of a peel strength measurement test.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view of a test piece of a holding power measurement test.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view of a holding power measurement test.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate an example of an underpants-type disposable diaper 100. This underpants-type disposable diaper 100 is composed of an outer member 12 disposed in an outer surface (back surface side) of a product and an inner member 200 attached to the outer member 12. The reference sign 201 denotes a region where the inner member 200 and the outer member 12 are fixed. The reference sign Y denotes the maximum length of the diaper. The reference sign X denotes the maximum width of the diaper.

The inner member 200 is a portion to absorb and hold excrement such as urine, and the outer member 12 is a portion to attach the inner member 200 to the body of a wearer. In addition, the dotted portions in the cross-sectional view indicate bonded portions to bond respective component members, and the bonded portions are formed by, for example solid, bead, curtain, summit, or spiral application of a hot melt adhesive or the like.

(Inner Member)

The inner member 200 can have an arbitrary shape, but in the illustrated embodiment, it is rectangular. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the inner member 200 is provided with a top sheet 30 which is in contact with the skin, a liquid impervious sheet 11, and an absorbent element 50 interposed therebetween, and is a main unit section that plays a role of an absorbent function. The reference sign 40 denotes an intermediate sheet (second sheet) provided between the top sheet 30 and the absorbent element 50 in order to promptly transfer liquid having permeated through the top sheet 30 to the absorbent element 50. The reference sign 60 denotes three-dimensional gathers 60 provided on both sides of the inner member 200 and standing on the skin side of a wearer in order to prevent excrement from leaking to both sides of the inner member 200.

(Top Sheet)

The top sheet 30 has a property of permeating liquid, and examples of the top sheet 30 include a perforated or nonporous nonwoven fabric and a porous plastic sheet. Among them, a raw fiber of the nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited. Examples include synthetic fibers such as olefinic system such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester, and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, natural fibers such as cotton, and mixed fibers and composite fibers in which two or more of these are used. Further, the nonwoven fabric may be manufactured by any processing. Examples of the processing method include known methods such as a spun lace method, a spun bond method, a thermal bond method, a melt blown method, a needle punch method, an air through method, and a point bond method. For example, if flexibility and drapeability are required, the spun bond method and the spun lace method are preferable processing methods, and if bulkiness and softness are required, the air through method, the point bond method, and the thermal bond method are preferable processing methods.

Further, the top sheet 30 may be made of one sheet or a laminated sheet obtained by bonding two or more sheets. Similarly, the top sheet 30 may be composed of one sheet or two or more sheets with respect to the plane direction.

In the case of providing the three-dimensional gathers 60, it is preferable that both side edges of the top sheet 30 are extended between the liquid impervious sheet 11 and the three-dimensional gathers 60 and to the back face of the absorbent element 50 and bonded to the liquid impervious sheet 11 and the three-dimensional gathers 60 with a hot melt adhesive or the like to prevent liquid permeation.

(Intermediate Sheet)

An intermediate sheet (also called a “second sheet”) 40 can be provided between the top sheet 30 and the absorbent element 50. This intermediate sheet 40 not only improves the absorption performance by an absorber 56 by moving liquid to the absorber 56 side, but also prevents the absorbent liquid from returning from the absorber 56 and makes the surface of the top sheet 30 dry. The intermediate sheet 40 can also be omitted.

Examples of the intermediate sheet 40 include the same material as the top sheet 30, a spun lace, a spun bond, SMS, a pulp nonwoven fabric, a mixed sheet of pulp and rayon, a point bond, or a crepe paper. In particular, an air-through nonwoven fabric is preferable because it is bulky. It is preferable to use a composite fiber having a core-sheath structure for the air-through nonwoven fabric. In this case, resin used for the core may be polypropylene (PP), but polyester (PET) having high rigidity is preferable. The basis weight is preferably 20 to 80 g/m², more preferably 25 to 60 g/m². The fineness of the raw fiber of the nonwoven fabric is preferably 2.2 to 10 dtex. To increase the bulkiness of the nonwoven fabric, it is also preferable to use eccentric fibers, hollow fibers, eccentric and hollow fibers, whose core is not in the center, as mixed fibers of all or a part of the raw material fibers.

The intermediate sheet 40 in the illustrated embodiment is disposed at the center shorter than the width of the absorber 56, but may be provided over the maximum width. The length of the intermediate sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction may be the same as the length of the absorber 56 or may be within a short length range centered on the liquid receiving area.

(Liquid Impervious Sheet)

The material of the liquid impervious sheet 11 is not particularly limited, but examples of the material include a plastic film made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene and polypropylene, a laminated nonwoven fabric having a plastic film on the surface of a nonwoven fabric, and a laminated sheet obtained by bonding nonwoven fabrics on a plastic film. In the liquid impervious sheet 11, in recent years, it is preferable to use a material having liquid impermeability and moisture permeability that has been favorably used from the viewpoint of prevention of stuffiness. As the moisture-permeable plastic film, a microporous plastic film is widely used. The microporous plastic film is obtained by stretching a sheet in a monoaxial or biaxial direction after forming the sheet by kneading an inorganic filler in an olefin-based resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In addition to this, a nonwoven fabric sheet of microdenier fiber and a liquid impervious sheet without a plastic film having reinforced leakage-resistance achieved by applying heat and pressure to reduce the gaps between the fibers or by application with super absorbent resin, a hydrophobic resin, or a water repellent agent, can also be used as the liquid impervious sheet 11.

To enhance leakage resistance, the liquid impervious sheet 11 can also be disposed around the both side faces of the absorbent element 50 to extend to the both sides of the side surface of the top sheet 30 of the absorbent element 50.

Further, on the inside of the liquid impervious sheet 11, in particular, on the side of the absorber 56, an excretion indicator that changes its color due to absorption of a liquid component can be provided.

(Three-Dimensional Gather)

The three-dimensional gathers 60 are strip-shaped members extending along the both side edges of the inner member 200 in the front-back direction, blocking fluid excretion (urine, loose stools, etc.) moving on the top sheet 30 in the lateral direction to prevent lateral leakage. The three-dimensional gather 60 according to the present embodiment is provided so as to stand upright from the side portion of the inner member 200, the root side portion stands obliquely toward the center side in the width direction, and the portion closer to the tip side than the intermediate portion stands obliquely toward the outside in the width direction. Although this embodiment is a surface contact-type three-dimensional gather, a line contact type three-dimensional gather (not illustrated) which is not folded back outward in the width direction can also be used.

More specifically, the three-dimensional gather 60 includes a belt shaped gather sheet 62 having a length equal to the length in the front-back direction of the inner member 200 and folded back in two in the width direction, and a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members 63 fixed along the longitudinal direction with intervals in the width direction in a stretched state between sheets in the folded portion and the neighboring portions. An end portion on the opposite side to the folded portion in the width direction in the three-dimensional gather 60 is an attachment portion 65 fixed to the rear surface of the side edge portion of the inner member 200. A portion other than the attachment portion 65 is a protruding portion 66 (a portion on the folded portion side) protruding from the attachment portion 65. The both ends of the protruding portion 66 in the front-back direction extend from the attachment portion 65 to the surface of the side portion of the top sheet 30 through the side of the inner member 200, and the both ends are fallen portions fixed by a fixing means such as the hot melt adhesive 67 with respect to the surface of the side portion of the top sheet 30. The intermediate portion in the front-back direction of the protruding portion 66 is a non-fixed free portion, and the elongated elastically stretchable members 63 along the front-back direction are fixed in a stretched state at least over the entire front-back direction of the free portion.

As the gather sheet 62, a nonwoven fabric which is flexible and excellent in uniformity and concealing property such as a spunbonded nonwoven fabric (SS, SSS, etc.), SMS nonwoven fabric (SMS, SSMMS etc.), meltblown nonwoven fabric, and on which a water repellent process is performed by silicone as necessary, can be preferably used, and the fiber basis weight is preferably set to about 10 to 30 g/m². As the elongated elastically stretchable member 63, a rubber thread and the like can be used. When a spandex rubber thread is used, the fineness is preferably 470 to 1240 dtex, more preferably 620 to 940 dtex. The stretch rate at the time of fixing is preferably from 150 to 350%, more preferably from 200 to 300%. Now that the term “stretch rate” means a value when the natural length is taken as 100%. As illustrated in the drawing, a waterproof film 64 may be interposed between the gather sheets folded in two.

The number of the elongated elastically stretchable members 63 provided in the free portion of the three-dimensional gather 60 is preferably 2 to 6, more preferably 3 to 5. An appropriate arrangement interval 60 d is 3 to 10 mm With such a configuration, a range in which the elongated elastically stretchable members 63 are disposed easily comes into surface contact with the skin. The elongated elastically stretchable members 63 may be disposed not only on the tip side but also on the root side.

The target to which the attachment portion 65 of the three-dimensional gather 60 is fixed can be an appropriate member such as the top sheet 30, the liquid impervious sheet 11, and the absorbent element 50 in the inner member 200.

In each three-dimensional gather 60 formed as described above, a contraction force of the elongated elastically stretchable members 63 acts so as to bring both ends in the front-back direction close to each other, but both ends in the front-back direction of the protruding portions 66 are fixed in a fallen state, and a space between the both ends is a non-fixed free part. Therefore, only the free part stands so as to come into contact with the body side as illustrated in FIG. 3. Particularly, when the attachment portion 65 is positioned on the back side of the inner member 200, the three-dimensional gather 60 stands up so as to open outward in the width direction at and around a crotch portion, such that the three-dimensional gather 60 comes into surface contact with a leg portion, and therefore the fit is improved.

Unlike the illustrated embodiment, three-dimensional gathers can be doubly (in two rows) provided on each of the left and right sides of the inner member 200.

(Absorbent Element)

The absorbent element 50 has the absorber 56 and a wrapping sheet 58 wrapping the entire absorber 56. The wrapping sheet 58 can also be omitted.

(Absorber)

The absorber 56 can be formed of an assembly of fibers. As this fiber assembly, besides those obtained by accumulating short fibers such as fluff pulp and synthetic fibers, a filament assembly obtained by opening tows (fiber bundles) of synthetic fibers such as cellulose acetate as required can also be used. When fluff pulp or short fibers are accumulated, fiber basis weight can be set to, for example, about 100 to 300 g/m², and in the case of a filament assembly, fiber basis weight can be set to about 30 to 120 g/m². In the case of a synthetic fiber, the fineness is, for example, 1 to 16 dtex, preferably 1 to 10 dtex, more preferably 1 to 5 dtex. In the case of filament assembly, the filaments may be non-crimped fibers, but are preferably crimped fibers. The degree of crimp of the crimped fiber can be, for example, about 5 to 75, preferably 10 to 50, and more preferably about 15 to 50 per inch. In addition, crimped fibers which are uniformly crimped are often used. It is preferable to disperse and hold the super absorbent polymer particles in the absorber 56.

The absorber 56 may have a rectangular shape, and, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably has a shape similar to the outline of an hourglass where between a front end portion and a back end portion, a narrowing portion is disposed having a width smaller than that of the front end portion and that of the back end portion, because the fit of the absorber 56 and the three-dimensional gathers 60 to the legs is enhanced.

Further, although the size of the absorber 56 can be appropriately determined, it is preferable that the absorber 56 extends to or near the peripheral edge portion of the inner member in the front-back direction and the width direction. Now that the reference sign 56X denotes the width of the absorber 56.

(Super Absorbent Polymer Particle)

The absorber 56 can contain super absorbent polymer particles partially or entirely. The super absorbent polymer particles include “powder” in addition to “particles”. The particle sizes of super absorbent polymer particles may be those used in similar types of absorbent articles. Preferred particle sizes are desirably 1000 μm or less, in particular, 150 to 400 μm. The material of the super absorbent polymer particle is not particularly limited, but a material having a water absorption capacity of 40 g/g or more is suitable. Examples of the super absorbent polymer particles include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based polymer particles, and starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymer, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymer, crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and acrylic acid (salt) polymer. The super absorbent polymer particles have preferably a generally used particulate form. However, the super absorbent polymer particles may have another form.

The super absorbent polymer particles having a water absorption rate of forty seconds or less are preferably used. When the water absorption rate exceeds forty seconds, the liquid supplied into the absorber 56 tends to easily return to the outside of the absorber 56.

The basis weight of the super absorbent polymer particles can be appropriately determined according to the absorption amount required for the use of the absorber 56. Therefore, although it cannot be said unconditionally, the basis weight can be 50 to 350 g/m². When the basis weight of the polymer is less than 50 g/m², it is difficult to ensure the absorption amount. When it exceeds 350 g/m², the effect is saturated.

If necessary, the super absorbent polymer particles can adjust the spraying density or the spraying amount in the planar direction of the absorber 56. For example, it is possible to increase the spraying amount in an excretory site of liquid compared to the other sites. When considering the difference between men and women, it is possible to increase the spray density (amount) on the front side for men and to increase the spray density (amount) at the center for women. Further, a portion without polymer can be provided locally (for example, in a spot shape) in the planar direction of the absorber 56.

(Wrapping Sheet)

When the wrapping sheet 58 is used, tissue paper, particularly crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, polyethylene laminated nonwoven fabric, a sheet with small openings can be used as the material. However, it is desirable that the sheet from which the super absorbent polymer particles do not come off is used. When a nonwoven fabric is used in place of crepe paper, a hydrophilic SMS nonwoven fabric (SMS, SSMMS, etc.) is particularly suitable, and polypropylene, polyethylene/polypropylene composite material and the like can be used. The basis weight is preferably 5 to 40 g/m², in particular, preferably 10 to 30 g/m².

The wrapping mode of the wrapping sheet 58 can be appropriately determined. However, from the viewpoints of ease of manufacturing and prevention of leakage of super absorbent polymer particles from the front and back end edges, it is preferable that the wrapping sheet 58 is wound around in the cylindrical shape so as to surround the front and back surfaces and both side surfaces of the absorber 56, the front and back edge portions are protruded from the front and back of the absorber 56, and the protruding portions are collapsed in the thickness direction to bond by a bonding means such as a hot melt adhesive.

(Outer Member)

The outer member 12 has a portion disposed in a front body F extending from the center in the front-back direction to the ventral side and a portion disposed in a back body B extending from the center in the front-back direction to the dorsal side. Both side edges of the front body F and both side edges of the back body B are bonded to each other, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, a waist opening WO through which the torso of a wearer passes and a pair of left and right leg openings LO through which the legs are passed are formed. The reference sign 12A denotes a bonded side edge portion (hereinafter, this portion is also referred to as a side seal portion). The crotch portion means the center in the front-back direction from the waist edge of the front body F to the waist edge of the back body B in a spread state, and the front side portion and the back side portion from the center are the front body F and the back body B, respectively.

The outer member 12 has a lower torso portion T and an intermediate portion L. The lower torso portion T is defined as a range in the front-back direction from the waist opening WO to the upper ends of the leg openings LO. The intermediate portion L is defined as a range in the front-back direction of a portion forming the leg openings LO (between the range in the front-back direction having a side seal portion 12A of the front body F and the range in the front-back direction having a side seal portion 12A of the back body B). The lower torso portion T can be divided into a waist portion W which conceptually forms an edge portion of the waist opening and an under-waist portion U which is a portion lower than the waist portion W. Normally, in the lower torso portion T, in the case of having a boudary where the stretching stress along the width direction changes (for example, the fineness and stretch rate of the elastically stretchable members change), a portion nearer to the waist opening WO than a boundary closest to the waist opening WO is the waist portion W. When there is no such boundary, the waist opening WO side of the absorber 56 or the waist opening WO side of the inner member 200 is the waist portion W. The lengths of such portions in the longitudinal direction vary depending on the size of a product and can be appropriately determined. For example, the waist portion W can be set to 15 to 40 mm, and the under-waist portion U can be set to 65 to 120 mm. On the other hand, both side edges of the intermediate portion L are narrowed along the periphery of the legs of a wearer, and they are sites through which the wearer's legs pass. As a result, the outer member 12 is substantially hourglass-shaped as a whole. The degree of narrowing of the outer member 12 can be appropriately determined, and to obtain a clean appearance as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the narrowest portion is preferably narrower than the width of the inner member 200, but the narrowest portion may be determined to be equal to or greater than the width of the inner member 200.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, front and back surfaces of the outer member 12 are formed by a first sheet layer 12S made of a nonwoven fabric and a second sheet layer 12H formed of a nonwoven fabric. In this nonwoven fabric, the type of the raw material fiber is not particularly limited. Examples include synthetic fibers such as olefinic system such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester, and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, natural fibers such as cotton, and mixed fibers and composite fibers in which two or more of these are used. Further, the nonwoven fabric may be manufactured by any manufacturing method. When flexibility is emphasized, as at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, a nonwoven fabric of polypropylene (PP) or a copolymer thereof (for example, a copolymer in which polyethylene or ethylene is blended as a copolymerization component) (hereinafter referred to as “PP type nonwoven fabric”), or a nonwoven fabric of a sheath/core fiber (PE/PP) with polyethylene (PE) as a sheath and polypropylene (PP) as a core component is preferably used. Examples of the processing method include known methods such as a spun lace method, a spun bond method, a thermal bond method, a melt blown method, a needle punch method, an air through method, and a point bond method. A spunbonded nonwoven fabric is preferably used from the viewpoint of excellent strength and flexibility, and in particular, a spun bond nonwoven fabric formed by laminating a plurality of spun bond layers, for example, an SS nonwoven fabric (two layers) or an SSS nonwoven fabric (three layers) can be used, and also further the nonwoven fabric with four or more layers can be used. The thickness and basis weight of the nonwoven fabric are not particularly limited, but it is desirable that the thickness is 0.1 to 1 mm, and the basis weight is about 10 to 20 g/m². Each of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H may be composed of a single nonwoven fabric, or either or both of them may be a laminate of a plurality of nonwoven fabrics.

The first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H may be a layer stacked by folding back one sheet material, may be a layer composed of separate sheet materials, or may be both of them. Further, at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H may be partially formed of a sheet material different from that of other portions. The outer member 12 of the illustrated embodiment has a first sheet material and a second sheet material. The first sheet material includes an external surface side portion extending from the edge of the waist opening WO of the front body to the edge of the waist opening of the back body and a folded portion 12 r (extending so as to cover the end of the waist opening WO side of the inner member 200) folded inward at the edge of the waist opening WO of the front body. The second sheet material is bonded to the inside of the external surface side portion of the first sheet material. In the waist portion W, the external surface side portion and the folded portion of the first sheet material form the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H. In the under-waist portion U and the intermediate portion L, the first sheet material and the second sheet material form the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, respectively, but they are not limited to such configuration.

To enhance the fit to the body, the outer member 12 has a continuous stretchable region A3, a non-stretchable region A1, and intermittent stretchable regions A2. The continuous stretchable region A3 continues in the width direction in the area nearer to the waist opening WO than to the absorber 56. The non-stretchable region A1 is provided in the middle in the width direction in the range in the front-back direction having the absorber 56. The intermittent stretchable regions A2 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the non-stretchable region A1. Between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H in the continuous stretchable region A3 and the intermittent stretchable regions A2, elongated elastically stretchable members 19 (15 to 17) such as rubber threads are attached at a predetermined stretch rate along the width direction to be stretchable in the width direction (the width direction is a stretchable direction). As the elongated elastically stretchable member 19, synthetic rubber may be used, and also natural rubber may be used. The continuous stretchable region A3 may be formed over the entire width direction in a part of or whole of a range in the front-back direction having the non-stretchable region A1 and the intermittent stretchable region A2 in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the range in the front-back direction of the non-stretchable region A1 in the illustrated embodiment may be extended toward the waist side or the crotch side.

To be more specific about the illustrated embodiment, the waist portion W of the outer member 12 is formed as the continuous stretchable region A3, and between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, a plurality of waist portion elastically stretchable members 17 is attached with intervals in the front-back direction in a stretched state along the width direction at a predetermined stretch rate so as to continue over the whole of the width direction. One or a plurality of the waist portion elastically stretchable members 17 disposed adjacent to the under-waist portion U may overlap with the absorber 56. A portion adjacent to the under-waist portion U in the waist portion W may be a region having the non-stretchable region A1 and the intermittent stretchable regions A2 similarly to the under-waist portion U. As the waist portion elastically stretchable members 17, about three to twenty two rubber threads having a fineness of 155 to 1880 dtex, particularly about 470 to 1240 dtex (in the case of synthetic rubber), (a cross-sectional area of about 0.05 to 1.5 mm², particularly about 0.1 to 1.0 mm², in the case of natural rubber) are preferably attached with intervals of 5 to 20 mm, particularly 8 to 16 mm, at a stretch rate of 150 to 400%, in particular, about 220 to 320%. Further, it is not necessary to make all of the waist portion elastically stretchable members 17 have the same fineness and stretch rate. For example, the fineness and the stretch rate of the waist portion elastically stretchable members 17 may be different at the upper portion and the lower portion in the waist portion W.

In addition, a plurality of under-waist portion elastically stretchable members 15 made of elongated elastically stretchable members is attached with intervals in the front-back direction in a stretched state along the width direction at a predetermined stretch rate so as to continue over the entire width direction in the upper side and both sides in the width direction of the non-stretchable region A1, except in the non-stretchable region A1, between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H of the under-waist portion U of the outer member 12. As the under-waist portion elastically stretchable members 15, it is preferable that about five to thirty rubber threads having a fineness of 155 to 1880 dtex, particularly about 470 to 1240 dtex (in the case of synthetic rubber), (a cross-sectional area of about 0.05 to 1.5 mm², particularly about 0.1 to 1.0 mm² in the case of natural rubber) are attached with intervals of 5 to 20 mm, particularly 8 to 16 mm, at a stretch rate of 200 to 350%, in particular, about 240 to 300%.

Further, a plurality of intermediate portion elastically stretchable members 16 made of elongated elastically stretchable member is attached with intervals in the front-back direction in a stretched state along the width direction at a predetermined stretch rate so as to continue over the entire width direction in the both sides in the width direction of the non-stretchable region A1, except in the non-stretchable region A1, between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H of the intermediate portion L of the outer member 12. As the intermediate portion elastically stretchable member 16, it is preferable that about two to ten rubber threads having a fineness of 155 to 1880 dtex, particularly about 470 to 1240 dtex (in the case of synthetic rubber), (a cross-sectional area of about 0.05 to 1.5 mm², particularly about 0.1 to 1.0 mm², in the case of natural rubber) are attached with intervals of 5 to 20 mm, particularly 8 to 16 mm, at a stretch rate of 150 to 300%, in particular, 180 to 260%.

As with the intermittent stretchable region A2 in the illustrated embodiment, in the case where the elastically stretchable members 19 (in the illustrated embodiment, the under-waist portion elastically stretchable members 15 and the intermediate portion elastically stretchable members 16) provided in the outer member 12 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the non-stretchable region A1, except in the non-stretchable region A1, contraction of the absorber 56 in the width direction is prevented in the non-stretchable region A1. Therefore, it is preferable that the non-stretchable region A1 is the region at the intermediate portion in the width direction including partly or totally a portion overlapping in the width direction with the absorber 56 (more preferably including totally the region 201 where the inner member 200 and the outer member 12 are fixed), and the intermittent stretchable regions A2 are the entire regions on both sides in the width direction of the non-stretchable region reaching the side seal portions 12A.

(Divided Structure of Outer Member)

In the illustrated example, the outer member 12 has a structure continuously covering from the front body F to the back body B, but the outer member can have another structure where the outer member disposed in the front body F and the outer member disposed in the back body B may not be continuous but separated (not illustrated). In this case, a crotch outer member can be attached for covering the portion exposed between the outer member disposed in the front body F and the outer member disposed in the back body B on the outer surface of the inner member 200. As the crotch outer member, the same materials as those used for the outer member described above can be used.

(About Stretchable Structure)

In the underpants-type disposable diaper, the stretchable structure of the present invention is applied in the region from the waist portion W to the intermediate portion L. That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7, and 11, a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members 19 is disposed with intervals from each other along the stretchable direction between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H. Both end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19 are fixed end portions 19 f at which the elastically stretchable members are fixed to at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H via the first hot melt adhesive 71. The first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive 72 in the range at least in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the both end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19, and the holding power of the first hot melt adhesive 71 is higher than the holding power of the second hot melt adhesive 72. As described above, if the holding power of the first hot melt adhesive 71 is higher than the holding power of the second hot melt adhesive 72, the both end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19 are firmly fixed, and the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H can be bonded further flexibly in the range in the stretchable direction corresponding to the space between the both end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19. In this case, although the fixed portions by the first hot melt adhesive 71 at the both end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19 have hard texture, the influence is limited locally. Further, since the elastically stretchable members are firmly fixed at the both end portions 19 f, the second hot melt adhesive 72 in the range in the stretchable direction corresponding to the space between the both end portions has very little necessity to play a role of fixing function of the elastically stretchable members 19, and it is only necessary for the second hot melt adhesive to bond the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H. Therefore, the adhesive having low holding power can be used without any problem, which actually brings advantage that the main stretchable region becomes further flexible.

(Hot Melt Adhesive)

Examples of the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the second hot melt adhesive 72 include adhesives of the EVA type, adhesive rubber type (elastomer type), olefin type, and polyester/polyamide type, and the types are not particularly limited. However, in the present invention, the holding power of the first hot melt adhesive 71 is higher than the holding power of the second hot melt adhesive 72. In particular, the holding power of the first hot melt adhesive 71 preferably exceeds 120 minutes, and the holding power of the second hot melt adhesive 72 preferably exceeds 30 to 90 minutes.

Further, in general, since a hot melt adhesive having high melt viscosity has high holding power, it is desirable that the melt viscosity of the first hot melt adhesive 71 is higher than the melt viscosity of the second hot melt adhesive 72. Specifically, it is preferable that the first hot melt adhesive 71 has a melt viscosity of 10,000 to 40,000 mPa·s at a temperature of 140° C. and a melt viscosity of 5,000 to 10,000 mPa·s at a temperature of 160° C., and the second hot melt adhesive 72 has a melt viscosity of 3,000 to 7,000 mPa·s at a temperature of 140° C. and a melt viscosity of 1,000 to 4,000 mPa·s at a temperature of 160° C.

Further, since the hot melt adhesive having high loop tack adhesive strength is suitable for bonding nonwoven fabrics to each other, it is desirable that the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive 72 is higher than the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive 71. Specifically, the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive 71 is preferably 10 to 500 g/25 mm, and the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive 72 is preferably 1,000 g/25 mm or more.

It is more preferable that the peel strength of the first hot melt adhesive 71 is 100 cN/25 mm or more in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, and the peel strength of the second hot melt adhesive 72 is 100 cN/25 mm or more in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.

The first hot melt adhesive 71 and the second hot melt adhesive 72 that satisfy such requirements can be easily obtained from hot melt adhesive manufacturers.

Although the basis weight (application amount) of the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the second hot melt adhesive 72 can be appropriately determined, it is preferable that the basis weight is in the range of 3 to 30 g/m², in particular in the range of 10 to 20 g/m².

(Fixing of Elastically Stretchable Members)

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7, and 11, in the elastically stretchable members 19 in the continuous stretchable region A3 and those in the intermittent stretchable region A2, the both end portions 19 f in the width direction are the fixed end portions 19 f at which the elastically stretchable members are fixed to the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H. In the case where the elastically stretchable members 19 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the intermediate portion in the width direction of the outer member 12, except in the intermediate portion as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the both end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19 at the both sides in the width direction of the intermediate portion are defined as the fixed end portions 19 f, respectively. In the case of the elastically stretchable members 19 continuing over the entire width direction of the outer member 12, the portions positioned at the both end portions in the width direction of the outer member 12 of the elastically stretchable members 19 are defined as the fixed end portions 19 f.

At the fixed end portions 19 f, the elastically stretchable members 19 are fixed to the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H via the first hot melt adhesive 71. As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 11 and 13, the first hot melt adhesive 71 is intermittently disposed in a direction orthogonal to the elastically stretchable members 19 and disposed only at positions overlapping with the elastically stretchable members 19. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 15, the first hot melt adhesive 71 can be disposed in a pattern continuous in the front-back direction so as to extend over the end portions of the plurality of the elastically stretchable members 19. The first hot melt adhesive 71 may be applied to at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H by slot application, curtain application or the like. Further in the case of applying only to the end portions of the elastically stretchable members 19, it may be applied only to the outer peripheral surfaces of portions to be the both ends of the elastically stretchable members 19 by an application means such as a comb gun or a sure wrap nozzle.

In the case of fixing the fixed end portions 19 f at the center-side in the width direction in the intermittent stretchable regions A2, in addition to disposing the first hot melt adhesive 71 on the left and right sides individually with an interval in the width direction as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the first hot melt adhesive 71 can also be continuously disposed over the left and right fixed end portions 19 f as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10.

Since the side seal portion 12A is a hardened portion by being welded by ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, when the fixed end portion 19 f on the side seal portion 12A side is positioned in the side seal portion 12A as illustrated in FIG. 18(a), the side seal portion 12A might become harder than necessary due to the presence of the first hot melt adhesive 71 having high holding power, that is, having hardness. Therefore, the fixed end portion 19 f on the side seal portion 12A side is preferably adjacent to the side seal portion 12A or spaced apart therefrom toward the center side in the width direction as illustrated in FIG. 18(b). As can be understood from the embodiment indicated in FIG. 18(b), it is enough that the adhesion sites by the first hot melt adhesive 71 may be end portions in the stretchable direction of the stretchable regions A2 and A3 and do not need to be both ends of the elastically stretchable members 19 as in the illustrated embodiment. For example, ends at least at one side of the elastically stretchable members 19 are not the adhesion sites by the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the adhesion sites by the first hot melt adhesive 71 may be provided at appropriate positions near the ends of the elastically stretchable members 19.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12(d), 12(f), 12(g), 14(d), 14(g), 16(d), 16(f), and 16(g), at least a part of each adhesion site by the first hot melt adhesive 71 preferably bonds the elastically stretchable members 19 and at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H without using the second hot melt adhesive 72 for the following reason. Even when the holding power of the first hot melt adhesive 71 is higher than that of the second hot melt adhesive 72, in the case where the layer of the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the layer of the second hot melt adhesive 72 are interposed (in the case of double applications of adhesives), as compared with the case where only the layer of the second hot melt adhesive 72 is interposed, the fixing force of the elastically stretchable members 19 is high, but cohesive failure of the layer is liable to occur by the interposition of the layer of the second hot melt adhesive 72, and the fixing force of the elastically stretchable members 19 is lowered.

Therefore, it is conceivable that the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the second hot melt adhesive 72 are disposed so as not to overlap each other at the passing positions of the elastically stretchable members 19 (not illustrated). However, when the positions of the first hot melt adhesive 71 and those of the second hot melt adhesive 72 are different each other as described above, it is necessary to intermittently apply the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the second hot melt adhesive 72, and accurate control of application positions of the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the second hot melt adhesive 72 is considerably difficult.

Therefore, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIGS. 11 to 16, as a preferable embodiment, the second hot melt adhesive 72 is disposed with an intermittent pattern at least in the stretchable direction, including the positions of the fixed end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19 (double applications of adhesives), and the first hot melt adhesive 71 is continuously applied in the stretchable direction with the length longer than the application width of the second hot melt adhesive 72 at the passing positions of the elastically stretchable members 19. As a result, in the disposed positions of the first hot melt adhesive 71, although double application portions by the first hot melt adhesive 71 and the second hot melt adhesive 72 are partially formed, also single application portion by the first hot melt adhesive 71 is certainly formed between the application portions of the second hot melt adhesive 72. Therefore, the both end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19 can be bonded via only the first hot melt adhesive 71. In this case, the continuous application width 71 w of the first hot melt adhesive 71 may be appropriately determined, but it is preferably 5 times or more the application width 72 w of the second hot melt adhesive 72. Further, it is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2 times or more, of the interval 72 d of adjacent application portions in the stretchable direction of the second hot melt adhesive 72. In a usual case, it is preferable that the total application width of the first hot melt adhesive 71 bonding the elastically stretchable members 19 without using the second hot melt adhesive 72 is about 5 to 30 mm. As a preferable intermittent pattern of the second hot melt adhesive 72, the bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members to be described later can be exemplified.

(Sheet Bonding by Second Hot Melt Adhesive)

As long as the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive 72 in the range at least in the width direction of the space between the fixed end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19, the second hot melt adhesive 72 may be disposed in any range and in any kind of pattern. However, as in the illustrated embodiment, the second hot melt adhesive 72 is preferably disposed in a uniform pattern over the whole of the stretchable regions A2 and A3 including the fixed end portions 19 f of the elastically stretchable members 19.

For example, the second hot melt adhesive 72 is applied on the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastically stretchable members 19 by application means such as a comb gun or a sure wrap nozzle. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second hot melt adhesive 72 may be applied only at positions overlapping with the elastically stretchable members 19 intermittently in a direction orthogonal to the elastically stretchable members 19. Although not illustrated, the second hot melt adhesive 72 may be intermittently disposed in the front-back direction and the width direction so as not to overlap with the elastically stretchable members 19.

Further, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIGS. 11 to 16, in the bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, sheet bonded portions 70 to which the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive 72 are disposed in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the elastically stretchable members 19 and continuous in a direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members 19. Such bonding mode is one of preferable modes since continuous pleats 80 are formed clearly. In this embodiment, the elastically stretchable members 19 are fixed to at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H at least via the first hot melt adhesive 71 at the fixed end portions 19 f, and the elastically stretchable members 19 are fixed to at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H at positions intersecting the sheet bonded portions 70 via the second hot melt adhesive 72.

In this bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, along with the contraction of elastically stretchable members 19, as illustrated in FIGS. 11(b), 13 (b), and 15 (b), the portions positioned between the respective sheet bonded portions 70 in the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H contract and are raised in opposite directions each other to form the pleats 80. FIGS. 11(b), 13(b), and 15(b) indicate a state of natural length. The elastically stretchable members 19 are stretched from this state to some extent at the time of wearing, and as illustrated in FIGS. 11(c), 13(c), and 15(c), and the hems of the pleats 80 spread. As a result, the height 80 h of the pleats 80 decreases. In addition, since this stretchable structure is in the bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, the pleats 80 extending straightly are formed along the sheet bonded portions 70, and air permeability and appearance are excellent.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the adhesive 72 is applied on the surface on the second sheet layer 12H side of the first sheet layer 12S intermittently in the stretchable direction and continuously, with a predetermined width, in a direction intersecting with the stretchable direction. The adhesive 72 is not applied on the surface on the first sheet layer 12S side of the second sheet layer 12H, and the elastically stretchable members 19 are sandwiched between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H in a stretched state. The first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H as well as the first sheet layer 12S and the elastically stretchable members 19 are bonded respectively by the second hot melt adhesive 72. In this case, among the portions where the sheet bonded portions 70 and the elastically stretchable members 19 intersect, since the second hot melt adhesive 72 is continuously applied in the direction intersecting with the stretchable direction on the first sheet layer 12S side of the elastically stretchable members 19, the elastically stretchable members 19 are fixed to the first sheet layer 12S via the second hot melt adhesive 72, whereas on the second sheet layer 12H side of the elastically stretchable members 19, the second hot melt adhesive 72 becomes to be discontinuously applied in the direction intersecting with the stretchable direction. In FIG. 12(e), these discontinuous portions are denoted by reference sign 73. Since the second hot melt adhesive 72 is intermittently applied in the second sheet layer 12H, a decrease in flexibility of the second sheet layer 12H, and a decrease in the flexibility as a whole of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H can be suppressed. Further, at the portions where the elastically stretchable members 19 intersect with the sheet bonded portions 70, although the second hot melt adhesive 72 is applied continuously only on the first sheet layer 12S side, on the both sides of the elastically stretchable members 19, the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H are bonded as one unit by the sheet bonded portions 70. Therefore, the contraction force of the elastically stretchable members 19 acts on the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H almost equally, and uniform pleats can be formed on both the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H.

It is also possible to apply the adhesive 72 to the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H with the same pattern. In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, since the second hot melt adhesive 72 is applied continuously, in a predetermined width, in a direction crossing with the stretchable direction on both the first sheet layer 12S side and the second sheet layer 12H side of the elastically stretchable members 19 at the portions where the sheet bonded portions 70 intersect with the elastically stretchable members 19, there is an advantage that the elastically stretchable members 19 can be more firmly fixed. Although not illustrated, it is also possible that the second hot melt adhesive 72 is applied to the second sheet layer 12H and not applied to the first sheet layer 12S, and the elastically stretchable members 19 are sandwiched between both the sheet layers simultaneously with bonding both the sheet layers. However, in these modes, since the second hot melt adhesive 72 is applied continuously in the second sheet layer 12H, not only the deterioration of the flexibility of the second sheet layer 12H itself to be brought into contact with the skin but also the deteriorated part of the flexibility is pressed against the skin by the elastically stretchable members 19, and therefore it is not preferable. Therefore, it is desirable that the second hot melt adhesive 72 is not applied continuously on the side having the surface that contacts the skin of a wearer like the second sheet layer 12H as shown in the embodiment indicated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In such an embodiment, preferably the width 70 w of each sheet bonded portion 70 in the stretchable direction is set to 0.5 to 4 mm (particularly 0.5 to 1 mm), and the interval 70 d between the adjacent sheet bonded portions 70 is set to 4 to 8 mm (particularly, 5 to 7 mm). Basically, if the width 70 w of the sheet bonded portion 70 in the stretchable direction is too narrow, application of the second hot melt adhesive 72 becomes difficult, whereas if it is too wide, the flexibility deteriorates. Further, the width 70 w in the stretchable direction of each sheet bonded portion 70 affects the interval between the adjacent pleats 80. As with the bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, if the pleats 80 are formed to be thin, and the width is larger than 4 mm, a space between the adjacent pleats 80 becomes too wide, and the individual pleats 80 become independent in appearance. In addition, when the pleats 80 are deformed to collapse and spread or to fall due to a compressive force in the thickness direction, the effect of mutual support of the adjacent pleats 80 is reduced. As a result, resistance with respect to the deformation and restoration after the deformation are also weaken, and the fullness becomes insufficient.

In addition, even in a case where the width 70 w of the sheet bonded portion 70 in the stretchable direction is set to 0.5 to 4 mm, if the interval 70 d between adjacent sheet bonded portions 70 is set to less than 4 mm or more than 8 mm, the following situation will be caused. That is, the interval 70 d between adjacent sheet bonded portions 70 affects the height 80 h and width of the pleats 80, and if the interval between adjacent sheet bonded portions is about 2 mm, the pleats 80 have poor continuity in the orthogonal direction as with the case of continuously bonding in the stretchable direction (it has no meaning to provide the sheet bonded portions 70 intermittently in the stretchable direction). If the interval is 3 mm, the pleats 80 are extended straightly in the direction orthogonal to the stretchable direction, but the effect of mutual support of the adjacent pleats 80 cannot be expected to be insufficient in terms of fullness. In addition, when the interval 70 d between the sheet bonded portions 70 exceeds 8 mm, the pleats 80 are collapsed irregularly due to the compression during wrapping, and the product appearance deteriorates. On the other hand, when the width 70 w of the sheet bonded portion 70 in the stretchable direction is 0.5 to 4 mm, and at the same time, the interval 70 d between the sheet bonded portions 70 is 4 to 8 mm, sufficient fullness can be finally obtained, and against the compression during wrapping, the pleats 80 are unlikely to be collapsed irregularly.

The width 70 w of the sheet bonded portion 70 is preferably narrow for increasing the flexibility, for example, desirably 1 mm or less. However, due to the narrow bonded portion, it is inevitable that the fixing force of the elastically stretchable members 19 by the second hot melt adhesive 72 is reduced, and therefore, it is very important to fix the first hot melt adhesive 71 having higher holding power at the fixed end portions 19 f as described above.

The interval 19 d between the elastically stretchable members 19 adjacent to each other can be appropriately determined. When the interval exceeds 10 mm, although not to the extent of the bonding mode being intermittent in the longitudinal direction, the thickness of the pleats 80 changes in a direction intersecting with the stretchable direction and causes unevenness. Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the interval 19 d between the elastically stretchable members 19 is 10 mm or less, particularly 3 to 7 mm

The shape of the sheet bonded portion 70 (by the second hot melt adhesive 72) can be appropriately determined and may be a wave shape as illustrated in FIG. 17 or a shape extending in an oblique direction with respect to the elastically stretchable members 19, and the wave shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the elastically stretchable members 19 is preferable.

(Manufacturing Method)

In manufacturing, the first hot melt adhesive 71 is applied to the elastically stretchable members 19 or at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, the second hot melt adhesive 72 is applied to at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, and the elastically stretchable members 19 are sandwiched between both the sheet layers 12S and 12H simultaneously with bonding both the sheet layers 12S and 12H.

In the case of manufacturing the above described bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, the application method of the second hot melt adhesive 72 is not particularly limited. However, when the width 70 w of the sheet bonded portion 70 in the stretchable direction is narrow, for example, 1 mm or less, the application width of the second hot melt adhesive 72 becomes narrow, and the intermittent application by an application method such as curtain or solid spraying from a nozzle becomes difficult. Therefore, it is desirable that a pattern coat suitable for narrow width application (transfer of the second hot melt adhesive 72 in a letterpress method) is used. FIG. 19 indicates an example of a manufacturing flow using a pattern coat for applying the second hot melt adhesive 72. In this example of pattern coat type, the elastically stretchable members 19 are interposed between the second sheet layer 12H and the first sheet layer 12S applied with the second hot melt adhesive 72 on the second sheet layer 12H side surface thereof, fed into between a pair of nip rolls 101, and pressed to form the stretchable structure illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Prior to being fed into the nip rolls 101, the first sheet layer 12S is brought into contact with the engraved roll 102 having a convex pattern corresponding to the above-described sheet bonded portions 70, that is, a striped convex pattern being intermittent on the outer circumferential surface in the circumferential direction (conveying direction, machine direction: MD, a direction being the stretchable direction) and being continuous in the axial direction (direction intersecting with the conveying direction, cross direction: CD), and the second hot melt adhesive 72 held on the convex pattern of the engraved roll 102 is transferred and applied. The reference sign 103 denotes a hot melt adhesive supply roll (anilox roll in letterpress printing) for transferring and applying the second hot melt adhesive 72 to the convex pattern of the engraved roll 102 with a predetermined thickness. The reference sign 104 denotes a supply nozzle for supplying the second hot melt adhesive 72 to the hot melt adhesive supply roll 103.

In the illustrated embodiment, in order to dispose the first hot melt adhesive 71, which is applied for fixing the fixed end portions of the elastically stretchable members 19, intermittently in a direction orthogonal to the elastically stretchable members 19 to overlap with the elastically stretchable members 19, the first hot melt adhesive 71 is applied intermittently in the conveying direction from a nozzle 105, which is arranged at a position where the conveyed elastically stretchable members are conveyed, to the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastically stretchable members 19, in the process of conveying the elastically stretchable members 19, on the upstream side of a position where pressure bonding is performed. However, by an appropriate nozzle for pattern coat, spraying, curtain application or the like, the first hot melt adhesive 71 may be intermittently applied in the conveying direction to at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H.

(Forming of Non-stretchable Region)

In forming the non-stretchable region A1, the first hot melt adhesive 71 is applied to the elastically stretchable members 19 or at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, and the second hot melt adhesive 72 is applied to at least one of the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H. Then the elastically stretchable members 19 are sandwiched between both the sheet layers 12S and 12H simultaneously with bonding of both the sheet layers 12S and 12H and the elastically stretchable members 19. Subsequently, in the non-stretchable region A1, the elastically stretchable members 19 are cut by pressing and heating at one or more places in the middle in the width direction, or substantially the entire elastically stretchable members 19 are finely cut by applying pressure and heating. Accordingly, the elasticity in the non-stretchable region A1 is killed while leaving elasticity in the intermittent stretchable regions A2.

FIG. 20(a) indicates the case where the elastically stretchable members 19 are cut at one place in the width direction. This cutting process is performed with a seal roll 80 having pressurizing portions 81 each of which is provided at one place in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the seal roll, and each of which has a cutting convex portion 82 heated to a desired temperature, and an anvil roll 90 having a smooth surface and opposed to the sealing roll 80. Objects to be cut, each of which includes the elastically stretchable members 19 disposed between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, are sandwiched between the sealing roll 80 and the anvil roll 90. Only the elastically stretchable members 19 in the portions nipped between the cutting convex portions and the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 90 are cut by pressure and heat. In products with such processing, as illustrated in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b), between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H in the non-stretchable region A1, only residual portions continued from the elastically stretchable members 19 in the intermittent stretchable region A2 remain as idle elastically stretchable members 19 r, and only one melting trace 22 remains as a cutting trace. Although not illustrated, in the case of cutting at a plurality of places, the sealing roll 80 having the cutting convex portions 82 at a plurality of places in the circumferential direction may be used.

Further, FIG. 20(b) indicates the case where the elastically stretchable members 19 are finely and almost totally cut. This cutting process is performed with a seal roll 80 having pressurizing portions 81 each of which is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the seal roll and each of which has a plurality of cutting convex portions 83 arranged in a zigzag shape. Objects to be cut, which include the elastically stretchable members 19 disposed between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H, are sandwiched between the sealing roll 80 and the anvil roll 90. Only elastically stretchable members 19 in the portions nipped between the cutting convex portions and the outer peripheral surface of the anvil roll 90 are cut by pressure and heat. In the product subjected to such processing, as illustrated in FIG. 21(c), between the first sheet layer 12S and the second sheet layer 12H in the non-stretchable region A1, residual portions continued from the elastically stretchable members 19 of the intermittent stretchable region A2 and cut pieces of the elastically stretchable members separated from the elastically stretchable members 19 of both of the intermittent stretchable regions A2 remain intermittently in the front-back direction and in the width direction as idle elastically stretchable members 19 r, and melting traces 22 remain intermittently in the front-back direction and in the width direction as cutting traces.

(Sheet Bonding in Non-stretchable Region)

Although the sheet bonded portion 70 is not necessarily provided in the non-stretchable region A1, it is not preferable that the first sheet layer 12S is displaced or floated with respect to the second sheet layer 12H. Therefore, it is preferably that also in the non-stretchable region, the sheet bonded portions 70 by the second hot melt adhesive 72 may be provided. The sheet bonded portions 70 of the non-stretchable region A1 are not particularly limited as long as the two sheet layers 12S and 12H are bonded together by the sheet bonded portions. However, when the sheet bonded portions 70 are formed in the above-described bonding mode being continuous in the direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, it is preferable because the idle elastically stretchable members 19 r in the non-stretchable region A1 are fixed to the two sheet layers 12S and 12H with the hot melt adhesive.

From the viewpoints of ease of manufacturing and manufacturing stability, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, it is desirable that the shape, size, number, arrangement and the like of the sheet bonded portions 70 by the second hot melt adhesive 72 in the non-stretchable region A1 are the same as those of the sheet bonded portions 70 by the second hot melt adhesive 72 in the intermittent stretchable regions A2. Of course, the shape, size, number, arrangement and the like of the sheet bonded portions 70 by the second hot melt adhesive 72 in the non-stretchable region A1 may be different from those of the sheet bonded portions 70 by the second hot melt adhesive 72 in the intermittent stretchable region A2.

In addition, the details of the sheet bonded portions 70 in the non-stretchable region A1 are as described in the explanation for the sheet bonded portions 70 in the stretchable region, and hence description thereof will be omitted here.

<Others>

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, the stretchable structure of the present invention is applied to the waist portion W, the under-waist portion U, and the intermediate portion L of the underpants-type disposable diaper. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the stretchable structure may be applied only to the under-waist portion U and the intermediate portion L (in the embodiment of FIG. 8, in the waist portion W, the elastically stretchable members 19 are fixed by the first hot melt adhesive 71 over the entire width direction). Further it may be applied only to the under-waist portion U (particularly for example, in a case where the intermediate portion elastically stretchable member 16 is not provided). Further, the above-described stretchable structure can also be applied to other stretchable parts such as three-dimensional gathers, a lower torso portion of a dorsal side, leg portions, or fastening tapes of a tape type disposable diaper.

<Explanation of Terms Used Herein>

In the case where the following terms are used in the specification, those have the following meanings unless otherwise specified in the specification.

“Front-back (longitudinal) direction” means a direction connecting the ventral side (front side) and the dorsal side (back side). “Width direction” means a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction (right-left direction).

“Machine direction: MD” and “cross direction: CD” mean the flow direction (MD) in a manufacturing equipment and the lateral direction (CD) orthogonal to the flow direction, and either one is the front-back direction, and the other is the width direction. The MD of a nonwoven fabric is a direction of fiber orientation of the nonwoven fabric. “Fiber orientation” is a direction along which a fiber of a nonwoven fabric runs and determined by, for example, a measurement in accordance with the fiber orientation test based on the zero span tensile strength of TAPPI T481 and a simple measurement for determining the direction of the fiber orientation from the ratio of the tensile strengths of the front-back direction to the width direction.

“Spread state” means a flatly spread state without contraction or looseness.

“Stretch rate” means the value when the natural length is taken as 100%.

“Basis weight” is measured as follows. After preliminary drying a sample or a test piece, the sample or the test piece is left in a test room or apparatus under normal conditions (the test location is at a temperature of 20±5° C. and with a relative humidity of 65% or less) to be constant weight. The preliminary drying is to make a sample or a test piece be constant weight in an environment having a temperature of not exceeding 50° C. and a relative humidity of 10 to 25%.

For fibers with an official moisture regain of 0.0%, preliminary drying may not be performed. A sample of dimensions (200 mm×250 mm±2 mm) is cut using a cutting template (200 mm×250 mm, ±2 mm) from a test piece in a constant weight. The basis weight is set by weighing the sample, multiplying by 20, and calculating the weight per one square meter.

“Thickness” is automatically measured under the conditions of a load of 10 gf/cm² and a pressing area of 2 cm² using an automatic thickness measuring device (KES-G5 handy compression tester).

“Water absorption capacity” is measured according to JIS K7223-1996 “Testing method for water absorption capacity of super absorbent polymers”

“Water absorption rate” is the “time to end point” when JIS K7224-1996 “Testing method for water absorption rate of super absorbent polymers” has been carried out using 2 g of super absorbent polymers and 50 g of physiological saline solution.

“Peel strength” of the hot melt adhesive is measured as follows. That is, two hydrophobic spunbonded nonwoven fabrics 301 composed of PP fibers having the fineness of 1.44 dtex and a basis weight of 17 g/m² are prepared (MD 100 mm or more×CD 75 mm or more). The hot melt adhesive 302 to be measured is applied with the application amount of 20 g/m² continuously in the MD with the application width of 25 mm in a center region in the CD of one nonwoven fabric 301. To this nonwoven fabric 301, the other nonwoven fabric 301 is adhered via the hot melt adhesive 302 so that they are aligned in the MD and the CD. Subsequently, a nonwoven fabric adhesive body 300 illustrated in FIG. 22 is obtained by the pressure bonding where a 2 kg-roller is rolled back and forth once. Next, from this nonwoven fabric adhesive body 300, a longitudinal direction test piece 310 and a lateral direction test piece 320 are prepared by cutting along the cutting lines indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 22 so that the longitudinal direction test piece 310 of 75 mm in the MD×25 mm in the CD is entirely adhered and the lateral direction test piece 320 has non-adhesive portions 321 at both sides thereof of 25 mm from both ends in the CD and adhesive portion 322 of 25 mm in the MD×25 mm in the CD provided between the non-adhesive portions 321. In the longitudinal direction test piece 310, as indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 22, both nonwoven fabrics at one side thereof of 25 mm from one end in the MD are peeled off (by reducing adhesive force of a target portion with cold spraying) to form grip margins 311. The grip margins 311 of nonwoven fabrics are gripped with the upper and lower grips of a tensile tester under the conditions of a grip interval of 30 mm and a test speed of 300 mm/min, and as illustrated in FIG. 23, the remaining adhesive portion 312 is peeled off, and the force (cN/25 mm) required for peeling is measured. In the lateral direction test piece 320, a test is performed in the same manner as the longitudinal direction test piece 310, except that nonwoven fabrics of the non-adhesive portions 321 at both ends in the CD are grasped by upper and lower grips of the tensile tester. Then, the failure state of a peeled portion is monitored, and at the time of interfacial failure (interfacial peeling) and cohesive failure, the average value of force at each point is taken as a measurement value by choosing first five vertices and first five bottom points from a corrugated portion after the start of peeling (after the curve has risen) in the measurement curve with the vertical axis as the force. Further, at the time of the material failure (failure of the base material), the maximum value of the force is taken as the measurement value. The above measurements are performed three times for each of the longitudinal direction test piece 310 and the lateral direction test piece 320, and the measurement values of three times are averaged to obtain the longitudinal peel strength and the lateral peel strength.

“Holding power” of the hot melt adhesive is measured as follows. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a PET film having a thickness of 25 μm is cut into two rectangular PET films 401 having a length of 100 mm×a width of 25 mm, and the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the PET films (portions of 25 mm from one end in the longitudinal direction of each PET film) are adhered each other via the hot melt adhesive layer 402 to be measured, to prepare a test piece 400. The adhesive portion 403 of the test piece 400 is 25 mm×25 mm. The hot melt adhesive layer 402 is applied by slot application at a thickness of 20 g/m², and after bonding, a 2 kg roller is rolled back and forth once over the adhesive portion 403 for pressure bonding. Then the test piece 400 is left at room temperature (23° C.) for 16 hours. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the both end portions of the test piece 400 or the PET films 401 are clamped with upper and lower grips 404 tightened with screws in the thickness direction, and left in a creep tester (thermostatic chamber) for two hours at 40° C. so that a force is not applied to the adhesive portion 403. Subsequently, in the creep tester, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the upper one of the grips 404 is suspended, and a weight 405 is suspended from the lower one of the grips 404. A vertical load of one kilogram in total (the sum of the weight 405 and the weight-side grip 405) is applied to the sample. The time from the start of application of load to the complete separation of the adhesive portion 403 or the PET film on the side of the weight 405 is measured. The time is measured up to 120 minutes, and when the weight does not fall before 120 minutes, the measurement result is “over 120 minutes”. The above measurement is performed three times, and the average value of the measurement results is taken as the holding power (minute). As a result of three measurements, when one result is over 120 minutes and two results are 120 minutes or less, the average value of the two measurement results of 120 minutes or less is used as the holding power. When two results are more than 120 minutes and one result is 120 minutes or less, the one measurement result of 120 minutes or less is taken as the holding power. When three results are over 120 minutes, the holding power is over 120 minutes.

“Loop tack adhesive strength” means a value measured as follows. That is, the hot-melt adhesive agent is applied at a thickness of 50 μm on a 50-μm thick PET plate. This PET plate is cut into a strip having a size of 25 mm in width and 125 mm in length. Two ends of the strip are overlapped to form a loop. After fixing this loop to the LT-100 type loop tack tester (manufactured by Cheminstruments Inc.), the loop is bonded to a PE (polyethylene) plate in an adhesion area of 25 mm×25 mm for an adhesion time of two seconds. Next, the loop is peeled off at 20° C. at a testing speed of 300 mm/min, and the maximum force is measured as the loop tack adhesive strength.

“Melt viscosity” is measured at a prescribed temperature using a Brookfield B type viscometer (spindle No. 027) in accordance with JIS Z 8803.

When environmental conditions in tests and measurements are not described, the tests and measurements shall be carried out in a test room or apparatus under normal conditions (the test location is at a temperature of 20±5° C. and with a relative humidity of 65% or less).

The dimensions of each part are measured in the spread state, not the natural length state, unless otherwise stated.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be applied to a stretchable structure and a manufacturing method therefor preferably in an underpants-type disposable diaper as in the above example, and also in a general absorbent article such as a disposable diaper of a tape type or a pad type as well as a sanitary napkin.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   11 liquid impervious sheet     -   12 outer member     -   12A side seal portion     -   12H second sheet layer     -   12S first sheet layer     -   12 r folded portion     -   19 elastically stretchable member     -   30 top sheet     -   40 intermediate sheet     -   50 absorbent element     -   56 absorber     -   58 wrapping sheet     -   60 three-dimensional gather     -   62 gather sheet     -   70 sheet bonded portion     -   71 first hot melt adhesive     -   72 second hot melt adhesive     -   80 pleat     -   200 inner member 

1. A stretchable structure of an absorbent article, comprising: a first sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric; a second sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric and opposed to one side of the first sheet layer; and a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members provided along a stretchable direction at intervals from each other between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, wherein the elastically stretchable member is fixed to at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer via a first hot melt adhesive at each pair of adhesion sites provided at an interval in the stretchable direction, the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via a second hot melt adhesive in a range at least in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the pair of the adhesion sites, and holding power of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than holding power of the second hot melt adhesive.
 2. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the melt viscosity of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the melt viscosity of the second hot melt adhesive.
 3. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive is higher than the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive.
 4. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and the second hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions.
 5. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein sheet bonded portions, at which the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive, are disposed in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the elastically stretchable members and continuous in a direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, and the width of each sheet bonded portion in the stretchable direction is 0.5 to 4 mm, and the interval between adjacent two sheet bonded portions is 4 to 8 mm.
 6. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the first hot melt adhesive is disposed intermittently in a direction orthogonal to the elastically stretchable members at positions overlapping with the elastically stretchable members.
 7. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is an underpants-type disposable diaper, in which an outer member disposed in a front body and a back body and an inner member attached to the outer member and including an absorber are provided, both side edges of the outer member of the front body and both side edges of the outer member of the back body are bonded to each other, a range in a front-back direction corresponding to the bonded side edges is an annular lower torso portion, and a waist opening and a pair of right and left leg openings are formed, and the stretchable structure is provided in a region including at least both sides in the width direction of the inner member in the outer member such that the elastically stretchable members are along the width direction.
 8. A method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article, comprising: sandwiching a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members provided along a stretchable direction at intervals from each other between a first sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric and a second sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric and opposed to one side of the first sheet layer; fixing the elastically stretchable member to at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer via a first hot melt adhesive at each pair of adhesion sites provided at an interval in the stretchable direction; and bonding the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer to each other in a range at least in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the pair of the adhesion sites via a second hot melt adhesive having lower holding power than the first hot melt adhesive.
 9. The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the melt viscosity of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the melt viscosity of the second hot melt adhesive.
 10. The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive is higher than the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive.
 11. The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 8, comprising: applying the second hot melt adhesive, wherein at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer is brought into contact with an engraved roll such that a circumferential direction of the engraved roll is the stretchable direction, and the second hot melt adhesive, which is held in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the circumferential direction and continuous in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the engraved roll, is transferred on the at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer; and performing pressure bonding, wherein the elastically stretchable members are sandwiched between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, on at least one of which the second hot melt adhesive is transferred, wherein in applying the second hot melt adhesive, the application width in the circumferential direction of the second hot melt adhesive is set to 0.5 to 4 mm, and the interval between adjacent applications in the circumferential direction of the second hot melt adhesive is set to 4 to 8 mm on the outer peripheral surface of the engraved roll.
 12. The method of manufacturing a stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 11, comprising: applying the first hot melt adhesive on the elastically stretchable members, wherein in the step of performing pressure bonding, the elastically stretchable members applied with the first hot melt adhesive are sandwiched between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, on at least one of which the second hot melt adhesive is transferred.
 13. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the loop tack adhesive strength of the second hot melt adhesive is higher than the loop tack adhesive strength of the first hot melt adhesive.
 14. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the first hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and the second hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions.
 15. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the first hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and the second hot melt adhesive has a peel strength of 100 cN/25 mm or more in both longitudinal and lateral directions.
 16. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein sheet bonded portions, at which the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive, are disposed in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the elastically stretchable members and continuous in a direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, and the width of each sheet bonded portion in the stretchable direction is 0.5 to 4 mm, and the interval between adjacent two sheet bonded portions is 4 to 8 mm.
 17. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein sheet bonded portions, at which the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive, are disposed in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the elastically stretchable members and continuous in a direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, and the width of each sheet bonded portion in the stretchable direction is 0.5 to 4 mm, and the interval between adjacent two sheet bonded portions is 4 to 8 mm.
 18. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein sheet bonded portions, at which the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via the second hot melt adhesive, are disposed in a striped pattern that is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the elastically stretchable members and continuous in a direction intersecting the elastically stretchable members, and the width of each sheet bonded portion in the stretchable direction is 0.5 to 4 mm, and the interval between adjacent two sheet bonded portions is 4 to 8 mm.
 19. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the absorbent article is an underpants-type disposable diaper, in which an outer member disposed in a front body and a back body and an inner member attached to the outer member and including an absorber are provided, both side edges of the outer member of the front body and both side edges of the outer member of the back body are bonded to each other, a range in a front-back direction corresponding to the bonded side edges is an annular lower torso portion, and a waist opening and a pair of right and left leg openings are formed, and the stretchable structure is provided in a region including at least both sides in the width direction of the inner member in the outer member such that the elastically stretchable members are along the width direction.
 20. The stretchable structure of an absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the absorbent article is an underpants-type disposable diaper, in which an outer member disposed in a front body and a back body and an inner member attached to the outer member and including an absorber are provided, both side edges of the outer member of the front body and both side edges of the outer member of the back body are bonded to each other, a range in a front-back direction corresponding to the bonded side edges is an annular lower torso portion, and a waist opening and a pair of right and left leg openings are formed, and the stretchable structure is provided in a region including at least both sides in the width direction of the inner member in the outer member such that the elastically stretchable members are along the width direction. 